Guitar arpeggio
Ab Major Add9 Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Major Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from Ab, C, Eb, and Bb. It is also commonly called Ab Major Add 9, AbAdd9, and AbAdd2. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, C, Eb, Bb
- Formula
- 1 3 5 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 14
- Chord symbols
- Abadd9, Abadd2
- Also called
- Ab Major Add 9AbAdd9AbAdd2
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Ab root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining major add9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Major Add 9 or AbAdd9 or AbAdd2.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab major add9 is defined by 3 (C) and 9 (Bb). It keeps the complete major triad and adds the ninth without including a seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Abadd9 and major chords where the ninth adds color but no major- or dominant-seventh quality is intended.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Major Add9 arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Pair 3 (C) and 9 (Bb) in different octaves and keep the ninth separated from the root when possible.
- Outline Abadd9 and use the ninth as a melodic upper extension before returning to the triad.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Major Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard